Liverpool Lime Street regeneration: Phase one of demolition work complete

Lime Street, one of the main routes through Liverpool city centre, is due to reopen following the completion of the first phase of demolition work ahead of its £39m makeover.

Driven by Liverpool City Council and Neptune Developments, the scheme will create more than 300 jobs with a new hotel, restaurants, shops and student accommodation.

Phase one of the three-week demolition project saw the remaining frontages along Lime Street taken down as part of the clearance of the site, which is located less than 100 metres from Lime Street station.

The street will reopen by midnight this Friday (September 16).

One of the route’s buildings is yet to be deconstructed and will require the temporary closure of the pedestrian footways but, once that stage is passed, construction will begin on the new buildings.

The city council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Cllr Malcolm Kennedy, said: “Lime Street is a vital gateway for Liverpool and this scheme will transform it, creating much needed new jobs.

“We knew this road closure would cause some disruption but it was absolutely vital to the project and I’m delighted this phase has been finished on time.”

He continued: “Once this work is complete and the site is cleared, we will be able to get on with the construction side of the development and we are confident there will be no need for further closures.

“For millions of people Lime Street is the first impression they get of Liverpool and through this scheme, and future projects*, we aim to give them a welcome befitting of a dynamic European city.’’

According to the city council, developers are aiming reflect the former Futurist cinema, which could not be saved due to its poor structural condition, in the scheme. The development is scheduled for completion in 2018.

Elsewhere, a planning application will soon be submitted for the restoration of the ABC Cinema, paving the way for the listed Art Deco building to betransformed into a major new TV studio and live music venue.